Welcome!
The role of the Mankato Area Youth Symphony Orchestras is to educate young musicians in a professional symphony atmosphere, to give opportunity to perform a wide variety of symphonic music, and to provide a variety of music education formats. It is our purpose to help prepare the young musician for participation in the world of symphonic music, either as a professional musician or as a patron of the arts.
The Mankato Area Youth Symphony Orchestra has been presenting concerts in our communities and teaching students for 35 years.
We now offer several unique opportunities for students to play music including Mankato Area Youth Symphony Orchestra, Youth Philharmonic, NorthStar Strings, Chamber Orchestra, Youth Wind Ensemble, Summer Orchestra, and Summer Jazz.
Click here to sign-up for your placement audition within our many groups.
WANT TO LEARN TO PLAY THE VIOLA, OBOE, or BASSOON? WE HAVE A SCHOLARSHIP FOR YOU!
New this year, we are offering the use of an oboe to a student who may be interested in learning to play. Free lessons for 16 weeks are included. For more information, contact Mark Wamma at info@mayso.net.
Upcoming Ensembles and Performance Opportunities
SUMMER JAZZ
MAYSO is excited to offer a Summer Jazz education and performance program! Our goal is to help increase the level of Jazz literacy and fluency in all of the region’s youth musicians who are interested. The sessions will run Sundays in June and July and will cost only $25. This is a program that will welcome any and all students. Auditions are not required. However, the director would like to hear the High School track musicians play before practice begins to help him seat the ensemble and choose appropriate repertoire.
Two programs offered:
MAYJazz: Hot Jazz in the Summer for musicians, grades 9-12, who dig Jazz!
This is our upper track program and is designed for grades 9-12 graders (having just completed) with Jazz experience. They must play a traditional Jazz instrument, e.g.: Alto, Tenor and Baritone Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, Guitar, Bass (electric or upright), and Drum Kit and Mallet/Auxiliary Percussion. Rehearsals will be geared toward a highly polished show displaying as many different styles as possible. 60 minutes of rehearsal will focus on learning selected Jazz pieces and developing ensemble sound, Style and Interpretation, Balance and Blend, Tuning and Intonation, etc. The remaining 30 minutes of each rehearsal will focus on development of individual improvisation skills.
All MAYJazz : Hot Jazz in the Summer for kids, grades 5-8, who wanna learn to play Jazz!
This program is designed for grades 5-8 (having just completed) with or without jazz experience. Can play on any band instrument and piano, guitar and bass (upright or electric). Strings are also welcomed. 60 minutes of rehearsal will focus on learning selected Jazz pieces and developing ensemble sound, Jazz Fundamentals, Balance and Blend, Tuning and Intonation, etc. The remaining 30 minutes of each rehearsal will focus on development of individual improvisation skills.
Rehearsals take place on Sunday afternoons in Mankato, MN. The Director of MAYJazz and All MAYJazz is David J. Stordalen.
Have questions? Please email David Stordalen at stordamotzov@gmail.com
REGISTRATION: Please follow the link to our online registration form. https://forms.gle/6GBEBWZLThp4g8Sy5
SUMMER ORCHESTRA
Winter is starting to give way to spring and that means that it is time for our summer orchestra program to begin. This year's theme is Spooky Music! Musical selections will draw from the rich history of classical, film, and tv music.
The Summer Orchestra is a great way to try out ensemble playing. Students will have the opportunity to participate in two ensembles - the full orchestra (winds, strings, and percussion) and either the wind ensemble or string ensemble. And, there is no audition to join! Young musicians from beginner to advanced are welcome.
Thanks to a generous donation from the Carl & Verna Schmidt Foundation, In Memory of Horace & Sally DeWald, L&N Andreas Foundation, Madelia Optometric, and Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council we are able to offer this session at a low-cost of $25. Rehearsals are Sundays from 1:30-4:00 p.m. beginning April 14 and ending with a concert on June 22 in St. Peter, MN.
If you are interested in joining the Summer Orchestra, click here to fill out our registration form.